Photo: Collected

DHAKA, Jan 16, 2026 (BSS) – An Australian delegation led by Bruce Sower, a representative of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), today held a virtual meeting with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman.

Starting from 10 am (local time), the virtual meeting was also attended by  Stacey Lee Walker, Assistant Director of the Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives Section; Brooke Simpson, Assistant Director of Bangladesh Section-1 (Bilateral); and Mish Khan, Assistant Director of Bangladesh Section-2 (Rohingya).

During the virtual meeting, discussions focused on ensuring the peaceful conduct of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election scheduled for February 12 and on the positive and responsible role of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami in making democracy meaningful and stronger. 

The two sides also held detailed discussions on strengthening bilateral trade relations between Bangladesh and Australia, and on the prospects for future economic cooperation. In addition, views were exchanged on possible cooperation by the Australian government in Bangladesh’s skill development programmes, considering Bangladesh as an important development partner.

Also joining the meeting virtually from Australia were Jamaat-e-Islami Europe spokesperson Barrister Abu Bakar Molla, Jamaat Ameer’s foreign affairs adviser Professor Dr Mahmudul Hasan, expatriate Bangladeshi citizen Dr Abdul Mannan, Barrister Osman Gani, and Ahmadullah Sadi.